Rose is the youngest of seven children, meant to replace her dead sister. Maybe because of that, she’s never really fit in. She’s always felt different, out of place, a restless wanderer in a family of homebodies. So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with it—in exchange for health and prosperity for her ailing family—she readily agrees.

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Publisher's Summary

Rose is the youngest of seven children, meant to replace her dead sister. Maybe because of that, she’s never really fit in. She’s always felt different, out of place, a restless wanderer in a family of homebodies. So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with it—in exchange for health and prosperity for her ailing family—she readily agrees.

Rose travels on the bear’s broad back to a distant and empty castle, where she is nightly joined by a mysterious stranger. In discovering his identity, she loses her heart-and finds her purpose—and realizes her journey has just begun.

As familiar and moving as Beauty and the Beast, yet as fresh and original as only the best fantasy can be, East is a bold retelling of the classic tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” a sweeping story of grand proportions.

The Troll Queen - everybody loves a good villain and boy she was one. Her narrator was also fantastic.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

About five characters narrate the story and each has its own voice actor. The cast was very good.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How far would you go to right a wrong? How far would you go, for love?

Any additional comments?

I loved the "original" story of East of the Sun, West of the Moon when I was a little girl. Although the author kept the spirit and skeleton of the story, she gave the tale her own unique spin. I'm an adult and I rarely read books written for teenagers, but this one held my interest. The author did a great job giving each character their own voice and personality. It was enjoyable seeing the story from different points of view. I was a bit surprised by some of the choices the writer made, but it's fun to read a book that isn't predictable. I would recommend this title to fans of the original and to people who love stories with a fairy tale feel.

I read this book as a teenager and loved it. I am a big fan of fairy tale retellings and wasn't as familiar with this one. I have listened to this book multiple times. When I find a good book, audio or print, it becomes almost like a friend. This book provides wonderful company. The multiple narrators do great job, although the troll queen seemed a little bit much.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Rose, is very likable and I enjoy her character's bravery and spirit. But I also love the father. His love for his daughter has always seemed so sweet to me.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Multiple voices help bring alive the difference accounts.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The only bad thing I can say about Pattou's East is that it had to end. The rhythmic and vividly descriptive writing through multiple characters' perspectives was absolutely phenomenal. And the story itself was a seamless blend of history, fantasy and folklore. This is a beautiful book and one I will look forward to enjoying again and again.

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